Research shows multitasking at work costs companies billions of dollars a year in lost productivity. A growing mindfulness training industry hopes to remedy that by offering workplace instruction in the ancient principles of mindfulness.

Some of our employees are set in their ways, and it's hard to persuade them to learn new things. What can we do as an organization to help them adapt to dynamic situations?
—Stuck in a Rut, learning and development specialist, Milan, Italy

I am a new supervisor really struggling with what seems like a simple problem. How do I suggest assertiveness training to other new managers without coming across as demeaning? I want to make it part of annual reviews, but am not sure this is the best approach.
—My Tongue Is Tied, product administrator, services, Seal Beach, California

I work in the training and development department of a company that competes in the cellphone industry. Each of our departments has very specific tasks and functions. That got me wondering: Are training departments becoming obsolete in today's specialized companies?
—Ruminating on Our Future, training officer, services, Perth, Australia